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The escalating conflict in the Middle East has resulted in a series of security measures being implemented by airlines and governments in the region. In a direct response to recent attacks linked to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Dubai's Emirates airline has implemented a strict ban on pagers and walkie-talkies across its network.
The airline's statement, released on Friday, prohibits all passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai from carrying these devices, regardless of whether they are in checked or cabin baggage. Emirates has warned that any such items found in passengers' possession will be confiscated by Dubai Police. This decision follows a series of alarming incidents in Lebanon where pagers and walkie-talkies were used to detonate explosives, causing significant casualties. Lebanese officials have attributed these attacks to Israel, heightening tensions in the region.
The explosive devices were cleverly concealed within the lithium batteries of the pagers, making them nearly undetectable. These attacks, which resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people, including children, and injuries to nearly 3,000 others, have prompted heightened security measures across the Middle East.
Emirates has also announced a resumption of services to Jordan's capital, Amman, starting on Sunday. However, flights to and from Beirut will remain cancelled through October 15, and passengers transiting through Dubai to reach Beirut will not be permitted to travel from their point of origin until further notice.
Furthermore, flights to and from Iraq and Iran will remain cancelled until at least Monday. Other airlines in the region have followed suit, cancelling flights to Beirut and other affected airports. The situation escalated over the weekend when Israeli fighter jets launched significant airstrikes on southern Beirut on Saturday. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strikes aimed to destroy Hezbollah's infrastructure and warned residents to evacuate the area beforehand.
The Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which began on September 23, have resulted in over 1,110 deaths and the displacement of over a million people. The situation continues to evolve, with reports indicating that a senior Hezbollah figure, Hashem Safieddine, is missing, with communication lost amid the bombings.
The ban on pagers and walkie-talkies imposed by Emirates reflects the heightened security concerns across the region. The recent attacks and ongoing conflict have prompted airlines and governments to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The situation remains fluid, and further security measures and disruptions to air travel are expected in the coming days.
Source: Emirates Airline Bans Pagers And Walkie-Talkies Amid Hezbollah Attacks